Silversmithing & Jewellery Design

During this five day course you will explore bezel setting faceted stones and bangle making to create precious jewellery to take home. Through discussion, demonstration and hands-on application, Sarah will help you understand the materials, tools and methods used in traditional metalwork jewellery.

Students should have some experience in foundation techniques such as saw-piercing and soldering.
Further develop these skills to include bezel setting faceted stones while making rings or earrings of your own design.
Hammer, stamp and twist metals to make unique bangles and cuffs.

You can also make a bezel set opal ring or pendant.
A variety of materials kits and gems will be available based on the projects you choose to complete.

Enrol
  • Full days - Monday to Friday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Suitable for ages 18 to adult
  • Intermediate
  • Join waiting list

Course Info

Sawing and soldering jewellery experience is required.

Please bring the following on your first day of class:

  • Fine point permanent marker such as Sharpie Ultrafine
  • Pens, pencils
  • Notebook
  • Hair tie for long hair
  • Closed shoes (no sandals or thongs)
  • Reading or close work glasses if you use them
  • Old hand towel
  • Any gems you have that you might like to use

Kits of materials will be available for students to buy.

You will need the “Necessities” kit plus any of the other project-based kits.

Kits will include all materials required for each project, such as sterling silver, copper, solder, sawblades and gemstones. 

Hand tools and equipment will be provided for use during class.

Extra gems, materials and some hand tools will also be available to buy.

Necessities Kit – $35

Rings Kit – $95

Earrings Kit – $95

Bangles & Cuffs Kit – $190

Opal Ring Kit – $130

Happy Camper Reviews

Sarah Whitlock
Course Tutor

Sarah Whitlock

Sarah Whitlock is a Sydney-based jewellery and object designer and maker.

Sarah’s eye for detail and passion for materials is apparent in all she makes – from sterling silver teapots and trinket boxes to bold but intricate earrings. She favours techniques of saw-piercing and gem setting using unique stones and precious metals.

Sarah began making jewellery at age thirteen.She sold her beaded earrings and necklaces to classmates and her father sold a selection in his workplace. In year eleven, she and her mother’s successful stall at Newtown Art Market, sold jewellery and her mother’s artworks.

Sarah holds an Associate Diploma of Arts – Jewellery & Object Design at the Sydney Institute of Technology. In 2011 Sarah was appointed as a TAFE NSW Sydney Institute Ambassador as part of the college’s 120th-anniversary celebrations.

Within year of graduation, she launched her jewellery design business Flying Lobster Jewellery. She has had twenty-seven years of making one-of-a-kind pieces of jewellery, including custom wedding and engagement rings and remodelling heirlooms. Collaborating with her artist mother, their wearable works of art are featured in solo and group exhibitions.

Sarah makes custom accessories for Australian film and television, including Puberty Blues and Janet King. A high-profile project was the gold immunity pins for Masterchef Australia.

She sells her work from her studio as well as through art galleries in NSW and Victoria.

Sarah began teaching silver jewellery at Bankstown Community College, followed by Sydney Community College. She has an SCC  Tutor Long Service award and in 2003 received the Outstanding Tutor Award from NSW Adult Learners’ Week. Sarah has delivered jewellery courses in Athens, Greece, at Kuringai Art Centre and Wilandra Art Centre and within the Juvenile Justice system at Yasmar.

Sarah is an industry trainer and continues to privately teach hands-on jewellery courses, as well as with Sydney Art School, Sydney Jewellery School, Macquarie Community College and St George and Sutherland Community College.

Sarah lives in western Sydney with her husband of twenty-four years and her sweet little cat.